Last weekend saw the arrival of a new group of exchange visitors ready to begin the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.theccip.com) on the occasion of CCIP's 10th anniversary. The program is divided into two core sessions, with students from Asia arriving in NYC the first and second half of the summer to take part in rigorous internships offered by business and government as part of cross-cultural exchange.

Upon arrival, the exchange visitors attended a post-arrival orientation session, where they reviewed the best ways to make their internships and their New York experience successful. Many of the students will take part in helping plan group activities and trips, either as group leaders or activity coordinators.

"I’ve been preparing for this program for months, " said Jackson Lai, a student from the Open University of Hong Kong. "I know there will be challenges this summer, and I’m looking forward to overcoming them," added Yichun from the University of Hong Kong.

Both Jackson and Yichun are student leaders for the group, helping administer the program and oversee activities. Both have been communicating with program administrators and exchange visitors since early this year.

Group leaders are given extra responsibilities throughout their time in the program to help them develop important skills for future careers.

"When I return home, I know I will have gained so much valuable experience," Jackson said. "I felt I had to take this opportunity if I wanted to be able to get ahead in the workplace."

After the orientation, CCIP Founder and Responsible Officer Elizabeth Kay founder took Jackson and Yichun to a Korean restaurant to thank them for their hard work. Surprisingly, Jackson was able to order lunch in Korean -- he has studied and traveled in different countries, including Korea and the UK.